The Shadow Manipulator

Chapter 4: Misunderstanding

"Hikari, what's all the commotion?"

My dad was looking at me from the front gate, beaming with curiosity. The moment I heard his voice, I already got the feeling of being caught red-handed even though I didn't do anything wrong.

He mentioned my name! How would Mitsumi react to that?! I just got a chance to start with a clean slate but now, my dad blew the opportunity right in front of me. Phew. I sighed.

"Um," I fidgeted from where I stood, having no idea what to tell him.

My head rotated slowly. One moment it was facing our fence, the next moment, facing my dad clutching the steel rails on the front gate.

Suddenly, I saw my dad's face shift its expression. His face suddenly lit up after looking a bit alarmed a moment ago. He put up a smile, something in-between a grin and a smirk. I don't know what it was but it certainly looked creepy.

"Son, come here."

I came to him, too afraid to speak. One fear that I could never overcome is my fear when my dad gets angry. My heart raced as if it's about to burst as I thought of all the possible punishments that might happen to me. Maybe I should say that it was all a misunderstanding. I thought. But I was scared out of my wits! And my dad probably won't believe me, judging the fact that Mitsumi even knows our place and waited for me at the front gate!

My dad opened the gate and came to me. He grabbed me by the ear and pulled me towards him.

"You didn't tell me about this girl, huh." My dad said, half-smiling. "Anyways, she looks just like your mom when she was young. Beautiful and innocent. You got my full support, son. But first, you must introduce her to your parents, right? We should get to know her as you do the same, am I correct?" He threateningly whispered. I could feel his killing intent leaking out.

I knew it, my dad would be jumping to conclusions. I need to tell them the truth. But I'm late for school! Aaaghhh! I think my mind's beginning to explode at that time.

"Dad, listen, it was all a-a-aagh~! " I tried to explain while wincing because of my aching ears.

"Uh-huh, you don't need to tell me anything. Everything has been revealed right before my eyes!" He exaggerated. "Anyway, you'll be late for school! Off you go." He removed his hand from my ears and pushed me outside the gate. After closing it, my dad waved a hand at me as he made a thumbs up with the other hand.

What kind of expression is that?!

"Let's go, Mitsumi," I said as I absent-mindedly grabbed her hand.

"Oh, okay." She replied. "By the way, what's your name?"

Oh right, I forgot to introduce myself. I thought.

"It's Kurayami Hikari." I simply muttered.

"That's a nice name."

All this time, I didn't make any contact with her. But when she complimented my name (which no one has done so before in my entire life), it felt kind of strange. Honestly, it felt kinda heart-warming. Aaarghh, what am I thinking?! What's with her? I asked myself.

"Thanks," I muttered, glancing a little bit behind me.

Whaaa?! Why are you blushing?! I quickly averted my eyes from her.

As we walked towards school, My mind became engrossed about what my dad told me a few years ago.

When the time comes, I want you to propose to the one you truly love on that very bridge.